The Requisite "A Game At Dinner" Bit

"Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to meet you," Doc extends his hand to shake. Marshal Mathews returns the gesture, but Reverend Olden does not.

Doc and Thunderhorse take the two available chairs at the round table. Thunderhorse sits next to Sheriff Jones while Doc sits next to Marshall Mathews. Reverend Judge Olden sits across from them.

Deputy Johnson pours them some wine. "Sorry, Mr. Shaw, but McDonald's was out'a steaks. I figured this roast would do just fine, though. Good thing, too, seein' as how more company showed."

"Not a problem, deputy," Doc smiles. The young woman begins dishing out the boiled vegetables while the Deputy starts cutting the meat.

"So what business brings you to town, Mr. Shaw?" asks the old Judge in a stern and steady voice. He's a gray,lanky old man, clean shaven and well dressed. He stares stoically through his spectacles.

Doc replies matter-of-factly. "I've come a long way to seek out Uncle Steve only to find him here in Toledo locked up and charged with murder. Everyone seems to think it is a foregone conclusion that he has committed this heinous crime. I'd like to hear the particulars so I might be better able to defend him in the morning. Perhaps you could clue me in."

"A straight talker. I like that," the judge replies.

The plates are served, and the party begins the meal. Thunderhorse digs in with his usual mannerless gusto.

Doc tries to excuse him. "Don't mind my brother, he was raised in the hills and doesn't have much in the way of manners."

Doc stares at the old man. He tries to read him, but can't seem to get through the Judge's stone face.

The Judge continues. "The fact of the matter is, your uncle is a murderer. I've got a dozen men willing to testify that they saw him shoot old Joe Brown and push him in the river."

"Impossible! That never happened!" Steven shouts from his cell.

"You're the judge and the prosecutor?" asks Doc.

"No, sir, Marshal Mathews will be prosecuting this case. I must remain impartial," the old Judge lies.

"Did you find a gun on his person?" Doc quizzes the Sheriff.

"He threw it in the river right after the deed," interrupts the Marshal.

"When did the shooting take place?"

"Thursday night."

"I wasn't even here until Friday afternoon!" offers Dr. Ritenrong.

"Who did you say saw the shooting?"

"The 21st Division of the Michigan Militia," the Marshal answers, smugly.

"But, sir, they's just arrived tod-" the deputy starts.

"Hush, now, boy," the sheriff shuts him up quick.

"Just arrived today? How could they have witnessed the murder?" Doc drills them.

"The boy doesn't know what he's talking about," responds the judge. "They've been here on special detail escorting Governor Mason."

Doc thinks back on his American History. He begins to remember more about this little incident. "Governor Mason, eh? He's a young guy, isn't he? Got a long career ahead of him, if he's ambitious enough, right?"

The room gets quieter. Thunderhorse continues slurping wine and chewing meat messily.

"You might say that," says Sheriff Jones at last.

"It's hard work being governor. You've got to show people you can get things done. Look out for the good of the people. Michigan's nearly a state, now, right? It would be nice to count Toledo here as Michigan territory," Doc goes on.

"Without a doubt," toasts the Judge. The three Toledo men clink glasses. Doc joins them, hesitantly.

"Well, to do that, the Governor's gotta show the people he can get things done. He's gotta stand for justice and prove that Michigan's no longer a lawless territory, but a lawful state. And that means stringing up criminals," Doc continues.

The rest of the party looks at him. "Just what are you implying?" asks the Judge.

"That Governor Mason ordered you to try my uncle for the murder of Joe Brown simply because he's a stranger that no one from here would miss, and he ordered his militia men to testify against him. He ordered them to commit perjury, and you to hang an innocent man for no other reason than political gain!"

"Son, I think you've overstayed your welcome," says the sheriff.